UK car production drives ahead

The British Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said that car production rose up in Britain last month , with a total of 128,654 cars were made in the UK in October - a 14.1% rise on the same month last year according to figures released here Thursday . But commercial vehicle (CV) production dipped 2.9% to 11,337 last month. Engine production rose 12.0% in October, going up to 236,248. Car production for the first 10 months of this year, at more than 1.11 million, was 5.8% up on the January-October 2010 period. CV production, though, was down 2.7% at 100,363 for the first 10 months of 2011. Engine production, at 1,21 million, was up 5.1% for the year so far. In a statement, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said "October was another positive month for UK vehicle production, with car manufacturing at its highest level since March. "Strong export demand for UK-built cars and engines is good news for the economy during this difficult period. Weak UK market demand is a cause for concern and makes it essential that the Chancellor (Finance secretary) uses his autumn statement to help encourage private sector investment and boost economic growth." (QNA) MD